Redbox Instant to Take on Netflix

Long gone are the days of Blockbuster. Services such as Hulu (News - Alert), Amazon Prime, iTunes, Netflix, Redbox and many other on-demand services have eliminated the need for a physical video store and have moved us on to the world of digital rentals.

A new brand, Redbox Instant by Verizon (News - Alert), was created to offer U.S. consumers immediate access to newly released DVD and Blu-ray movie rentals through more than 38,500 Redbox kiosks nationwide. Users can instantly view popular entertainment content anywhere, anytime, using the devices they prefer with a Redbox Instant by Verizon subscription and video on-demand streaming service.

Image via Redbox Instant

Janko Roettgers of GigaOM found some key details about the service while digging through the Redbox Instant website, which has now become password protected. The service is set to launch as early as Dec. 17 and will roll out on launch with apps already coded for Android (News - Alert), iOS and the Xbox 360. The service is reportedly priced at $6 per month and is currently in private beta. Users can also opt for an $8 monthly membership that provides unlimited access to streaming content and four Redbox credits for physical DVD rentals and kiosks.

The $6 subscription fee gives users access to a video catalog smaller than Netflix’s but includes some titles also offered by the competitor. For $0.99, users can download rentals and sales of newer titles.

“Consumers rely on Redbox for the latest new release movies at a great value, and our joint venture with Verizon will enable us to bring them even more value by offering expanded content offerings and greater flexibility for how and when they enjoy entertainment,” said Paul Davis, chief executive officer of Coinstar, Inc., in a statement earlier this year. “This alliance is the result of a deliberate and strategic process to identify a partner who shares our commitment to delivering innovative solutions to consumers. We look forward to rolling out the shared benefits this venture will bring to consumers, retailers, and shareholders.”